'Huge blow': N.Y. court slaps down latest Trump challenge in hush money case
Former President Donald Trump suffered a legal blow in his criminal hush money case Tuesday when an appeals court slapped down his gag order challenge, MSNBC reported.
Trump, convicted of falsifying business records to conceal hush money paid to an adult film star ahead of the 2016 presidential election, now remains under a gag order, according to the report.
"There was no substantial constitutional question directly involved," the appeals court ruled.
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Trump's lawyers earlier this month argued the gag — which limits him from speaking publicly against witnesses, jurors or court staff — was being used a "sword" by his political opponents ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
The court was not convinced.
Democrat podcaster Andy Ostroy declared the ruling a "huge blow" for Trump.
Trump returns to Manhattan criminal court on July 11 for sentencing.